Under the general supervision of the Library Director, the Children’s Manager manages the Children’s Services Department, setting the course for the library’s service to children and teens, birth through 12th grade. The Children’s Services Manager is responsible for creating a welcoming climate for children, teens, and families and developing engaging programs and collections that foster early reading skills, a love of reading, and educational success. With assistance from the Deputy Director, the Manager supervises Children’s Services staff members, helps plan and present programs, advocates for children and teens, and their needs, develops methods to expand library service to and reach children and teens outside of the library, and cultivates partnerships with educators and service providers. Serves as a member of the Management Team.

Open until filled, with first review of applicants on April 6, 2026.

Oversees all areas of Children’s Services including supervision of children’s librarians, the teen librarian, the Mother Goose library associate, children’s associates, and teen programming pages
Provides and models excellent customer service to all users of the library
Identifies community needs and works with staff to establish programs and services to meet these needs
Develops and maintains effective relationships with schools, community groups, and agencies involved with service to children and teens, including participation on committees
Oversees planning, scheduling, promotion, and evaluation of children’s and teen programs
Conducts programs for children, teens, parents and caregivers
Supervises the development of children’s and teen collections, including online resources
Maintains up-to-date knowledge of educational trends, services and technology for children and teens
Assists with questions on software, makerspace tools, and other technology related needs to customers of all ages
Keeps informed about new practices and use of technology in libraries
Contributes to the library’s website, e-newsletter, and social media
Assists with strategic planning processes and the design and implementation of annual objectives
Participates as a member in the work and activities of professional associations
Contributions to the library profession through local and/or national professional associations
Participates in departmental and library-wide training and activities, including technology and safety training
Provides excellent internal and external customer service
Other duties as assigned
Ability to create a welcoming, happy, engaging atmosphere for children, teens, and those who accompany them
Ability to provide a high level of personalized service to library users of all ages; children and teens in particular
Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate effective library services for children, teens, parents, caregivers and educators
Ability to issue guidance and ensure compliance with the Library’s Rules of Conduct and policies
Excellent computer and technology skills, including use of computers, mobile devices, and social media
Proficiency with workplace productivity software, including skills in Microsoft Office Suite
Excellent interpersonal skills and friendly, helpful manner for modeling customer service expectations
Knowledge and expertise in the areas of child development, adolescent development, reading development and early childhood education
Knowledge of professional-level library practices and ability to keep up with developments in the field
Proven leadership and management skills that foster teamwork, effective communication and high morale
Evidence of past community involvement
Excellent speaking and writing skills
Good vision and hearing to effectively engage with customers
Manual dexterity to operate computer. phone, and makerspace equipment
Physical ability to lift library materials weighing up to 40 pounds and to push fully loaded carts of library materials
Valid driver's license, acceptable driving history, and personal automobile for job-related transportation
Satisfactory pre-employment background check
Master of Library Science degree (MLS) from ALA-accredited institution required
One year of supervisory experience required
Experience with youth programs required
Two years of public library experience preferred
Extensive experience with automated library catalog and circulation software required
Knowledge of Spanish and/or French is helpful
Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities

Champaign Public Library

New Jobs

Children's Services Manager - 3.2026